Swim Instructor – Bayview Y

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities  

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues. 

Our Organizational Culture  

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals. 

Position Summary 

The Swim Instructor provides swim lessons to participants of all ages and skill levels, following YMCA principles and program guidelines. Instructors are expected to uphold the YMCA’s mission and values in all interactions. A strong understanding of aquatic fundamentals is essential for this role.  

National YMCA Swim Program certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire or at the next available training session. 

Job Responsibilities  

Member & Student Engagement 

• Build positive and respectful relationships with students and their families, fostering a sense of community and connection within the program. 

• Create a welcoming environment by greeting participants and learning their names. 

• Welcome participants, take attendance, and track their progress throughout the session. 

Swim Instruction & Program Delivery 

• Adhere to established swim program guidelines, following YMCA policies and practices to help participants build confidence and develop swimming skills. 

• Conduct lessons from the water unless otherwise approved by the supervisor. 

• Ensure the safety of all participants during lessons. 

• Follow all emergency procedures, provide directions, and ensure participant safety during emergencies. 

• Commit to working at least 80% of group lesson sessions and arrange for qualified substitutes for planned absences with prior supervisor approval. 

Professionalism & Documentation 

• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. 

• Complete all required documentation accurately and promptly, including timecards, incident reports, progress reports, and any additional assignments from supervisors. 

• Maintain all required certifications and notify supervisors of approaching expiration dates. 

Facility & Equipment Management 

• Arrive on deck ready to teach at the scheduled time, with all necessary equipment set up before class begins. 

• Clean and store equipment after class and report any missing or damaged items to the supervisor. 

Emergency Procedures & Safety 

• Ensure the safety of all participants during lessons and follow emergency procedures when necessary. 

• Complete incident reports as required. 

Program Participation & Support 

• Be available during Safety Around Water week, typically held during the local school district’s spring break (March or April). 

• Assist with additional swim-related activities as needed to enhance participant experience and program success. 

Qualifications 

• 18+ years old. 

• Must available early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends. 
• Schedule:
• Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45pm-6:00pm

• Ability to work effectively with members, staff and volunteers. 

• Current certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, American Red Cross Swim Lesson Instructor, or the ability to obtain within 30 days or upon the first available class.   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

The Swim Instructor position primarily involves working within an indoor aquatic facility, with occasional duties at an outdoor pool, ensuring the safety of all pool users. Responsibilities include providing swim lessons to a diverse population, adhering to program guidelines.  

The Swim Instructors are expected to build relationships with students and parents, create a welcoming environment, and ensure participant safety while helping individuals develop swimming skills. The Swim Instructor must also be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds, such as swim equipment or other related materials. Exposure to varying weather conditions may occur when working at the outdoor pool. The role also requires the ability to perform swim instructing duties, including assisting swimmers with techniques and providing first aid as needed. 

Disclaimers 

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check. 

• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties. 

• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed. 

• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. 

Salary Description 

The Swim Instructor position offers a compensation range of $25.00 – $30.00 per hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.